Chicago Fire Acquire Midfielder Dilly Duka from the Columbus Crew

CHICAGO, Ill. (Feb. 4, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday that the club has acquired midfielder Dilly Duka and the right of first refusal to U.S. international Robbie Rogers from the Columbus Crew in exchange for striker Dominic Oduro. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Duka has joined the team for the second leg of preseason in Ventura, Calif.

“We’re pleased to have Dilly join our club,” said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. “He’s a young player with potential and will provide us with depth on the wing. Additionally, to hold the right of first refusal to Robbie is great for the club. He’s an experienced player that would be a great addition to our squad should the opportunity arise. This was a very difficult decision, however, Dominic had expressed interest in pursuing an opportunity for a starting position. We thank him for all that he has done for the Fire and we wish him well as he takes the next step in his career.”

Duka was selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew after a standout collegiate career at Rutgers University. In two season with the Scarlett Knights from 2007-08, Duka made 36 appearances, scoring ten goals and adding five assists en route to 2008 All-Big East honors.

A Montville, N.J. product, Duka made his MLS debut Aug. 14, 2010 when he entered the match in the 75th minute of a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake. In three seasons, Duka, a member of the U.S. squad for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, scored two goals and tallied five assists in 45 matches.

Rogers, a member of the Crew from 2007-11, had his most successful year with the club in 2008 where he helped the Crew win both the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield and was named to the MLS Best XI. A member of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s provisional 30-man roster for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Rogers, currently a free agent, most recently represented English Championship side Leeds United where he made four appearances in 2012 before joining League One side Stevenage F.C. on loan.